What child hasn't dreamed of becoming invisible? Robert Cormier explores its consequences in this dark tale of a good boy who succumbs to temptation, then repents. FADE offers a subject that intrigues teenagers, who can read it as a simple suspense novel if they wish. However, as is usual with Cormier's books, much more lies below the surface.

Paul can escape from bullies, learn frightening secrets, and seek revenge, but when he sees that his power is a curse he vows never to use it again. Later he tries to help Ozzie when the boy inherits the power to fade and succumbs to its temptation. Ozzie develops a split personality, hearing voices that urge him to kill not only his enemies but even people who have helped him.

Paul discovers his power to fade at the same time he enters puberty and is plagued by sexual yearnings. While he's invisible, he sees the secret sexual practices of people who lead apparently blameless lives on the surface. His religion constrains Paul's sexual feelings, but he can't confess his power to become invisible to his priest, and he can't control it. That unlimited freedom leads to a man's death at Paul's hands, and ultimately to Ozzie's death.

Cormier adds mystery by telling the story through an unpublished manuscript left after Paul's death with Meredith, his literary agent. She and Susan, Paul's young cousin, seek clues about its authenticity.

Another Cormier novel about a psychopathic killer is Tenderness.